Should I do a split training option or "all in one go"?

SPC Ted Ronayne — Tue, 03 Apr 2018 17:10:07 -0400

I'm looking to join the reserves, if anyone has seen my previous posts. Assuming I'm going that route, would it be advantageous to take a split training option? What would this do as far as my ability to drill with my unit? (I want to join up because I want to serve in the army even if it's drilling, not sit on my butt until I go to AIT) and would this hurt my ability to become the MOS of my choice (I've heard in between your BCT and AIT you're kind of floating around in the system)

I'm a full time college student looking to go Intel (35f) which has a long AIT, so I'm looking to split train so I can finish my degree on time without a semester off.

Also, the money from bonuses and the like would greatly reduce the financial impact on my family, would split training affect any bonuses or the Montgomery Gi bill plus the kicker, until I finish ait?

Thanks.

Response by SGT Eric Davis made Apr 3 at 2018 5:17 PM

SGT Eric Davis — Tue, 03 Apr 2018 17:17:34 -0400

If you get the split option then it won’t affect your bonus cause it’s in your contract; you won’t get your bonus until your finish AIT or be able to use your GI BILL until you complete AIT.

If you got to just sit a semester out of school and finish once you complete BASIC AND AIT.

Response by MAJ Javier Rivera made Apr 3 at 2018 11:39 PM

MAJ Javier Rivera — Tue, 03 Apr 2018 23:39:34 -0400

All at once!

Response by SSG Laurie Mullen made Apr 4 at 2018 3:30 AM

SSG Laurie Mullen — Wed, 04 Apr 2018 03:30:08 -0400

I took the split option when I was in high school. There are downsides to taking this option as others have said. The biggest problem that I ran into with it was while I was between basic and AIT. I broke my ankle playing softball and that caused my AIT report date to be pushed back 6 weeks. I was lucky that the break wasn't bad and didn't involve the joint. Since you are in college you do have option to take time off from school and just get the training done. From my point of view, that would be the best option. Good luck.

Response by SFC Ralph E Kelley made Apr 6 at 2018 6:06 PM

SFC Ralph E Kelley — Fri, 06 Apr 2018 18:06:30 -0400

Stay in University and skip the enlisted soldier split training. Look into ROTC and find out the options (for your college major) for direct commission. Ask the officers on this forum for their guidance.
I'll say it again in case you think I’m not serious...
Stay in University and skip the enlisted soldier split training. Look into ROTC and find out the options (for your college major) for direct commission. Ask the officers on this forum for their guidance.
By-the-by. I had a successful career as an enlistedman with no regrets, but if you are doing ok in college then stick to it and go officer. Know what they called an officer (one of the finest men I have ever known) that got a C in General Studies?
"Sir".

Response by SPC Alisha Dick made Sep 30 at 2020 8:43 AM

SPC Alisha Dick — Wed, 30 Sep 2020 08:43:58 -0400

My son is currently half way through the AIT portion of the split enlistment. He discovered that you have options once completing the split enlistment :
1. request a transfer to active duty
2. drill with the reserved
3. Simply go to college while drilling
4. Go to college w/ ROTC and continue drilling
5. Go active duty and get an online degree
Either way, he is coming out of high school, Vo-tech and AIT with the option of getting college credits. After graduating high school with a 4.0, advanced classes and the military, he has many options available.